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RULES AND REGULATIONS 



rOK THE GOVERXMEXT OF THE 



^oriAN's Relief Corps 



AUXILIARY TO THE 



Grand Army of the Republic. 



1894 



E. B. Stillings & Co., Printers, 55 Sudbury Street, Boston, 



\ 



DECEMBER EDITION 



RULES AND REGULATIONS 



FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE 



Woman's Relief Corps, 



AUXILIARY TO THE 



GRAND SRMY OF THE REPUBLIC. 



1394.^ 



XJECEliviEBZEXe E3DI'X•I01^^. 



BOSTON : 

E. B. STILLINGS & CO., PRINTERS, 

^h SuDBTRY Street. 



AS 



Sons An,er.;<ov.Libv 
f-'eib. 25 193P 



RULES AND REGULATIONS. 

PEEAMBLE. 

We, the mothers, wives, daughters and sisters of Union soldiers, 
sailors and marines who aided in putting down the Rebellion, do, with 
other loyal women, unite to establish a permanent association for 
the objects herein set forth, and through a National Convention 
do ordain and enact the following Rules and Regulations for its gov- 
ernment. 



CHAPTER I. 
ARTICLE I. 

NAME. 

This Association shall be known as the Woman's Relief Corps, 
Auxiliary to the Grand Army of the Republic. 

ARTICLE II. 

OBJECTS. 

Section 1. To specially aid and assist the Grand Army of the 
Republic and to perpetuate the memory of their heroic dead. 

Section 2. To assist such Union veterans as need our help and 
protection, and to extend needful aid to their widows and orphans. 
To find them homes and employment, and assure them of sympathy 
and friends. To cherish and emulate the deeds of our army nurses, 
and of all loyal women who rendered loving service to our country 
in her hour of peril. 

Section 3. To maintain true allegiance to the United States of 
America; to inculcate lessons of patriotism and love of country 
among our children and in the commimities in which we live ; and 
encourage the spread of universal liberty and equal rights to all. 

ARTICLE III. 
organization. 

The several constituted bodies of this association shall consist of : 

1. Subordinate organizations to be known as * 

Relief Coi-ps No Department of 

provided, however, that no Corps shall be organized except as auxil- 
iary to a Post upon application approved and endorsed by the Post 
Commander. There can be but one Woman's Relief Corps auxiliary 
to the same Post. 

2. State organizations to be known as Department of 

Woman's Relief Corps, Auxiliary to the Grand Army of the Republic. 

* a Corps must bear the name of the Post to which it is auxiliary. 



4 RULES AND REGULATIONS chap. n. 

3. A National organization to be known as the National Conven- 
tion of the Woman's Relief Corps, Auxiliary to the Grand Army of 
the Republic. 

ARTICLE IV. 

ELIGIBILITY TO MEMBERSHIP. 

Women of good moral character and correct deportment, who have 
not given aid and comfort to the enemies of the Union, who would 
perpetuate the principles to which this association stands pledged, 
and who have attained the age of sixteen years, shall be eligible to 
membership in the Woman's Relief Corps. 



CHAPTER II. 



SUBORDINATE CORPS. 



ARTICLE I. 

FORMATION. 

Section 1. A Corps may be formed by the authority of a Depart- 
ment President (or of the National President, where no Department 
organization exists), on the application of not less than ten persons 
eligible to membership in the Woman's Relief Corps; said applica- 
tion shall in all cases be accompanied by the charter fee of five 
dollars, and must be approved and endorsed by the Commander of the 
Post desiring an auxiliary Corps. There can be but one Woman's 
Relief Corps auxiliary to the same Post. The admission fee of charter 
members shall be the same as that of members admitted on application. 
No Corps shall be recognized by the members of the Woman's Relief 
Corps unless acting under a legal and unforfeited charter. 

Section 2. On the receipt of such application, the Department 
President, (or National President where no Department organization 
exists), if satisfied of the eligibility of the applicants, and that it is for 
the interest of the Woman's Relief Coi-ps to form such subordinate 
Corps, shall proceed, either in person or by detail, to organize the 
Corps, superintend the election of its ofiicers for the remainder of 
the current year, and complete its organization. Only those obligated 
on the day the Corps is organized can become charter members, except 
should any liave signed application for charter and were unable to be 
present at organization, they may, if initiated within a month, have 
their names enrolled on cliarter. 

Section 3. Corps charters shall be signed by the Department 
President and countersigned by the Secretary of the Department 
within which the applicants for such charter reside. 

Section 4. The rank of a Corps is established by the date of its 
charter. Date of organization sliall appear upon charter and also up- 
on Roster. 



CHAP. II. WOMAN'S RELIEF CORPS. 5 

Section 5. A Corps charter may be surrendered voluntarily when 
less than ten members desire the continuance of the Corps. In case 
of surrender of a charter, the property of the Department, including 
Charter, Rituals, books of record and Corps papers, shall immediately 
be turned over to the Department Secretary and shall be subject to 
the disposition of the Department Council. 

Section 6. A charter shall not be surrendered by any Corps so 
long as ten members thereof, in good standing, demand its continu- 
ance; nor unless a proposition to surrender the charter shall have been 
made at a regular meeting at least four weeks before the time of action, 
and written notice given to every member of the Corps ; except, that 
upon official notification addressed to the Department President (or 
National President where no Department organization exists), that a 
Post desires the dissolution of its auxiliary, the charter shall be sur- 
rendered by the Corps upon command of the Department President 
(or National President), provided that the official notification of such 
desire shall not be considered, unless a majority of the members of 
the Post present and voting have voted in favor of such dissolution, 
after four weeks' previous notice. 

Section 7. Corps charters may be suspended or annulled by 
the Department President (or National President where no Depart- 
ment organization exists), v/ith the advice and consent of the Depart- 
ment Council. 

Section 8. In case of revocation or surrender of a chartei-, all 
funds remaining in the treasury, after all indebtedness is paid, shall 
revert to the Post. Should the Post be disbanded or refuse to receive 
such funds, they shall revert to the Department for a Relief Fund, to 
be held for the purpose of relief only. 

Section 9. A Corps having been disbanded or its charter an- 
nulled may be re-organized with its original name and number, pro- 
vided these have not been appropriated. In such re-organization a new 
charter shall be issued, according to the provisions of Sections 1 and 
2 of this Article. 

ARTICLE II. 
admission to membekship. 

Section 1. Every application for admission to membership shall 
be made on the regularly prepared blanks issued from National Head- 
quarters, be signed by the applicant, with full personal name, and 
must be accompanied by an admission fee of not less than one dollar, 
and price of badge added thereto. Members leaving the Order must 
return their badges, for which the regiilar price will be paid. 

Section 2. The application shall be recommended by two members 
of the Corps, who vouch for the applicant's eligibility by their signa- 
tures — be presented at a regular meeting, and referred to a committee 
of three, whose duty it is to investigate and report. 

Neither member recommending applicant shall act on investigating 
committee. 

Section 3. After careful investigation, the committee will, by their 
signature, approve or disapprove the application, and report at a sub- 



6 RULES AND REGULATIONS chap. n. 

sequent regular meeting of the Corps; j^rovided, however, that in 
special cases only the National President or Department President 
may grant a dispensation in writing to a Corps permitting an investi- 
gating Committee to report on the day of their appointment. An 
application may be withdrawn while in the hands of an investigat- 
ing committee; but be the report favoraole or unfavorable, after 
comiuittee has reported it must take its regular course, except it 
should, upon discussion, appear that the committee reported without 
proper investigation. The Corps may then decline to vote, the com- 
mittee be discharged, and a new one appointed. Should a member of 
the committee be absent or decline to report, the President may 
declare a vacancy and fill the same. 

Section 4. After the application is read and committee report, 
the President shall give opportimity to any member having objections 
to the applicant's election to state the same, after which a ballot with 
ball ballots shall be had. If, on coimtmg the ballots deposited, it 
appears that twenty or less were cast, and four or more of them are 
black, the candidate is rejected; should the result of the ballot be 
unfavorable to the applicant, the President may, before declaring the 
vote, order a second ballot, the result of which shall be final. If more 
than twenty are cast, then an additional black ball for every additional 
ten, or fractional pait thereof, shall be necessary to reject. If less 
than four black balls be cast, the candidate shall be declared elected. 
No reconsideration of a ballot shall be had after the President has 
annotmced the result thereof. 

Section 5. Each applicant, upon her election, shall be at once 
notified in writing, and on presenting herself for membership, shall 
be properly initiated. But unless she present herself for initiation 
within three months from the date of such notice, her election shall 
be void, and all moneys which accompanied the application shall be 
forfeited to the Corps treasury. 

Section 6. If an applicant be rejected, she shall be at once notified 
of the fact in writing, and the admission fee shall be returned. She 
shall not be eligible to admission to the Woman's Relief Corps for six 
months after such rejection. A second, and all subsequent appli- 
cations, shall be in the same form, and subject to the same conditions 
as the first. 

Section 7. An applicant having been regularly elected, may be 
initiated at a special meeting. 

A Department President may, in any special case, authorize a 
Corps by written dispensation to initiate a candidate who has not 
presented herself for init iation within three months after notice of 
election, such request to be by two-thirds vote of the Corps. 

Should an applicant after being elected prove to be im worthy, the 
Corps may by a two-thirds vote petition the Department President 
to set aside the ballot and annul the election. 

Section 8. The Department President may, within her jurisdic- 
tion, and at her discretion, receive and initiate an applicant for mem- 
bership, or detail a member for that purpose, provided such applicant 
reside outside the proper territorial limits of any Corps. A member 



CHAP. II. WOMAN'S RELIEF CORPS. 7 

thus received shall be granted a transfer card signed by the Depart- 
ment President and Secretaiy bearing the same date as initiation. 

Section 9. Where no Dei3artment organization exists, the National 
President shall have the same jurisdiction as a Department President. 

Section 10. A member-elect, upon initiation, shall subscribe to 
these Rules and Regulations and the By-Laws of the Corps; and 
receive from the Corps a membership badge, which shall be worn 
upon the left breast, at all meetings of the Woman's Relief Corps. 

ARTICLE III. 

ADMISSION OF MEMBERS BY TRANSFER. 

Section 1. A member having a valid transfer card may, upon 
regular application, and presenting herself for admission by trans- 
fer, be re-admitted to the Corps which granted the same after 
her name has been proposed, referred and reported upon, and 
upon receiving a two-thirds vote by ballot of the members pre- 
sent and voting at a regular meeting; or she may be admitted to 
another Corps, upon regular application as above, and presenting 
herself for admission by transfer, by a tworthirds vote by ballot of the 
members present and voting at a regular meeting; or she may be 
admitted a charter member of a new Corps. 

Section 2. Each Corps may, through its By-Laws, establish such 
an admission fee as they think proper to be paid by members join- 
ing by transfer, the amount not to exceed that paid at a regular 
initiation. 

ARTICLE IV. 
visiting, transfer and discharge cards. 

Section 1. Any member applying therefor in person or by letter 
shall be granted a visiting card signed by the President, and attested 
by the Secretary, for a specified time not exceeding twelve months, 
commending her to all members, provided she has faithfully dis- 
charged all duties enjoined upon her and has paid in advance all dues 
for the time specified in the visiting card. 

Section 2. Any member against whom no charges exist and who 
has paid all dues, shall receive a transfer card signed by the President 
and attested by the Secretary, upon verbal or written application to 
the President at a regular meeting of the Corps. Upon its presenta- 
tion to any Corps, within one year from date of issue, she may be ad- 
mitted in "the manner prescribed in Art. Ill of this chapter. In the 
meantime she shall remain, for purposes of discipline only, under the 
jurisdiction of the Corps granting the transfer card. A member hold- 
ing transfer card is not entitled lo the password. If at the expira- 
tion of a year she has not been admitted to membership in any Corps, 
and no charges have been preferred, the transfer card shall be void, 
and the holder be considered honorably discharged from the Order. 

Section 3. Members of disbanded Corps who were in good 
standing at the time of such dissolution shall receive transfer cards 
from the Department Secretary which shall have full force. 

Section 4. Department Presidents may grant a special dispen- 
sation to a member out on transfer (but not within reach of another 



8 RULES AND REGULATIONS chap. n. 

Corps) permitting her to be considered a member of the Corps from 
which the transfer was taken until such time as she shall be able to 
present herself to some Corps for admission by transfer, as prescribed 
in the Ritual. 

Section 5. Any member in good standing, on written applica- 
tion to the Corps President at a regular meeting, shall receive at some 
subsequent meeting, on the return of her badge, an honorable dis- 
charge signed by the President and attested by the Secretary. A 
member thus discharged can be re-admitted by filing a new applica- 
tion to be regularly referred and reported upon, and upon receiving a 
two-thirds vote by ballot of the members present and voting at a 
regular meeting, she shall be admitted without re-initiation on taking 
anew the obligation. 

Section 6. A member can be dishonorably discharged only upon 
due trial and sentence as per Chap. V, Art. VII. 

ARTICLE V. 

MEETINGS. 

Section 1. The regular meetings of each Corps shall be held at 
least monthly. 

Section 2. Special meetings may be called by the Corps Presi- 
dent, or upon the written request of five members of the Corps. 
Notice thereof must be given to each member of the Corps, and the 
object of such meeting stated, and no business shall be transacted 
except such as is specified in the call. 

Section 3. Eight members qualified to transact business shall 
constitute a quorum at any meeting of the Corps. 

Section 4. Corps having thirty or less members, jive members 
qualified to transact business may constitute a quorum; the chairs to 
be filled being President, Secretary, Treasm-er, Conductor and Guard. 

Section 5. Children over two years of age cannot be admitted to 
Corps meetings. 

ARTICLE VI. 

OFFICEKS. 

Section L All members of the Woman's Relief Corps in good 
standing are eligible to any Corps, Department or National office. 

Section 2. The officers of each Corps shall be a President, Senior 
and Junior Vice-Presidents, Secretary, Treasurer, Chaplain, Conduc- 
tor, Guard, Assistant Conductor and Assistant Guard. 

Section 3. The Corps President shall appoint Relief. Executive, 
Auditing, Home and Employment and Conference Committees, to be 
directors of Corps work. 

Section 4. The terms of appointed officers and committees (Corps, 
Department or National) expire with the appointing power. They shall 
hold office until their successors are appointed, but may at any time 
be removed at the option of the appointing officer. 

ARTICLE VII. 
election of officers. 
Section 1. The Corps officers, except Secretary, Assistant Con- 
ductor and Assistant Guard, shall be elected at the first regular 



CHAP. n. WOMAN'S RELIEF CORPS. 9 

meeting in December, or at a special meeting if necessary to conclude 
the election. Each member of the Corps in good standing must be 
previously notified. The election shall be by written ballot, unless 
such ballot be dispensed with by unanimous consent. 

Section 2. In balloting for officers, a majority of ail the votes 
cast shall be necessary to a choice. If there is no election on 
the first two ballots, the name of the member receiving the lowest 
number of votes shall be dropped, and so on in successive ballots until 
a choice is made. 

Section 8. The officers thus elected shall be installea at the 
first regular meeting in Januai^y following, or at a special meeting 
called for such purpose during the mouth (except officers of Corps 
organized in December, who being then installed hold office for the 
year). The newly elected officers shall select the Installing Officer, 
the Corps Secretary immediately reporthig their choice to the Depart- 
ment Secretary. If a member from another Corps be selected, the 
appointment will be made by the Department President, upon the 
request of officers elect. At the installation the Corps President 
shall appoint the Secretary; the Conductor and Guard respectively 
nominate the Assistant Conductor and Assistant Guard, who, when 
confirmed by the President, shall also be installed. All officers enter 
upon their duties immediately after installation, and, whether elected 
or appointed, hold office until their successors are installed. Installa- 
tion may be conducted publicly. 

Section 4. At the first regular meeting after the installation of 
officers, the President shall appoint the Committees as provided for in 
Chap. II, Article VI, Section 3. 

Section 5. Corps may fill any vacancy in their elective offices at 
any regular meeting, provided notice of such contemplated action has 
been given at a previous meeting. 

ARTICLE VIII. 

DUTIES OF OFFICERS. 

Section 1. It is the duty of a Corps President to preside at all 
meetings of the Corps, to enforce a strict observance of the Rules 
and Regulations of the Order and By-Laws of the Corps, and all 
orders from proper authority; to detail all officers and committees 
not otherwise provided for; to approve by her signatm-e all orders 
drawn by the Secretary upon the Treasurer for appropriations of 
money made and passed at a regular meeting of the Coi-ps ; to forward 
the reports and returns required by Rules and Regulations, and per- 
form such other duties as may appertain to her office. She shall for- 
ward to the Post Commander a quarterly report of the relief extended 
by the Corps, and confer with him concerning all matters in common 
between Post and Corps. She shall appoint a Conference Committee 
of five to meet and counsel with a like Committee from the Post, in 
order to strengthen the relations and perfect the work for which these 
organizations are mutually pledged. She shall signify to the Post 
Commander her desire for the appointment of such Committee. 

Section 2. The Vice-Presidents shall perform such duties as are 
required of them by the Ritual, and in the absence of the President 



10 RULES AND REGULATIONS chap. n. 

shall fill her oflBce according to seniority. If neither of them are 

present the next regular officer in rank calls meeting to order, when 

the Corps shall elect a President pro tern. 

I ; Section 8. The Secretary shall keep in books properly prepared : 

['■ L The Rules and Regulations of the Woman's Relief Corps and 

the By-Laws of the Corps, to be duly signed by every member upon 

initiation. 

2. A Journal, in which must be recorded the minutes of each 
meeting of the Corps and from which the same shall be read to the 
Corps at a regular meeting. Her signature, or that of the Secretary 
pro tern., must attest all proceedings after being corrected and ap- 
proved. 

3. An Order Book, in which shall be recorded all orders drawn on 
the Treasurer, and approved by the President. 

4. A General Order File, in which shall be preserved all orders 
and circulars issued by Department or National Headquarters, in the 
order in which they are received. 

5. A Letter File, in which shall be preserved all official cor- 
respondence. 

6. The Secretary shall draw all orders for money on the Treasurer, 
approved by the Corps President; shall in writing notify all applicants 
for membership the result of ballot, and, under the direction of the 
President, prepare all reports and retui-ns required of her ; she shall 
notify the Department Secretary of the death of any army nurse that 
may be known to her ; and shall perform such other duties as apper- 
tain to her office, and transfer to her successor, without delay, all 
books, papers and other Corps property in her possession. 

Section 4. The Treasurer shall hold the fimds, vouchers and 
other property of the Corps, pay all orders for money drawn by 
the Secretary and approved by the Coi-ps President, and collect all 
moneys due the Corps, giving her receipt therefor; disburse no 
moneys except upon regularly drawn orders ; keep an account with 
each member, notify in writing all members in arrears, and fm'nish 
the President with a list of the same, and rend.er to the Corps at each 
regular meeting in writing an account of its finances, which shall be re- 
ferred to the Finance Committee. She shall make and deliver to the 
President all reports required of Corps Treasurers, by Chap. V, Art. 
I, and deliver to her successor in office, or to any one designated by 
the Corps, all moneys, books and other property of the Corps m her 
possession or under her control. She shall give bonds prior to her 
installation, in a sum to be named by the Corps, for the faithful 
discharge of her duties. 

Section 5. The Chaplain shall officiate at the opening of the 
Corps and at the funeral of members when attended by the Corps. She 
shall compile the records of Memorial Day and promptly forward the 
sam.e to Department Chaplain through Corps President, not later 
than June 10, and perform such other duties in connection with her 
office as tbe Corps may ref^uire. 

Section 15. The Conductor and Guard shall perform such duties 
as may be required by the Ritual or the Corps President. 

Section 7. The Assistant Conductor and Assistant Guard shall 
assist the Conductor and the Guard respectively, in their duties. 



CHAP. n. WOMAN'S RELIEF CORPS. 11 

Section 8. The several Committees shall have the control of 
such property as the Corps hy vote shall place in their possession, 
subject to the direction of the Corps as to its management and invest- 
ment. 

Section 9. The Relief Committee shall have the management 
of the Relief Fund, subject to the direction of the Corps. They shall 
investigate all applications for relief, supply temporal wants, visit the 
sick, bury the dead, and report to the Corps monthly, in writing, all 
duties performed. All bills contracted by the Committee shall be 
audited by the chairman before presentation to the Corps for action. 

Section 10. The Executive Committee shall devise methods foi 
obtaining funds, and aid in carrying into execution all such methods a& 
are approved by the Corps. This Committee shall be prepared for 
special calls, aiTange for Memorial Day, and present a written report 
to the Corps of all duties performed. All bills contracted by the 
Committee shall be audited by the chairman, before presentation 
to the Corps for action. 

Section 11. The Auditing Committee shall examine the books and 
accounts of the Treasm-er and other officers quarterly, report in WTit- 
ing, and perform such other duties as may be required of them by 
the Corps. A single member of the Committee has not the right to 
audit the books; a majority is necessary. 

Section 12. The Home and Employment Committee shall secure 
the admission of veterans' orphans to homes provided for them by 
city or state, or in private families ; find employment for those who 
are in need, and secure the admission of the sick and friendless 
widows, army nurses and orphans to hospitals or other places of 
refuge. The Chairman shall present a written report to the Corps 
monthly. 

Section 13. The Conference Committee shall meet a like Com- 
mittee from the Post, to confer concerning matters of mutual in- 
terest, in order to strengthen the relations and perfect the work for 
which these organizations are mutually pledged. 

Section 14. The Corps Treasurer shall turn over to committees 
such property and funds as the Corps by vote may direct. Such 
additional committees may be provided as Corps work may demand. 

ARTICLE IX. 

delegates. 

Each Corps shall, at the first regular meeting in December, annually 

elect, from its members in good standing, delegates, and an equal 

number of alternates to the Department Convention, in the manner 

prescribed in Chap. Ill, Art. II. 

ARTICLE X. 

BY-LAWS. 

Corps may adopt By-Laws for their government, not inconsistent 
with these Rules and Regulations, the Service Book, or Orders of the 
Department or National Conventions, and may provide for the alter- 
ation or amendment thereof. 

Corps By-Laws must be submitted to Department Presidents for 
approval or correction before being adopted. 



RULE.'S AND REGULATIONS chap. m. 

CHAPTER III. 



DEPARTMENTS. 



ARTICLE I. 

OEGAjSTIZATION. 

Section 1. A Department may be formed (where no Department 
organization exists) upon the application of not less than five sub- 
ordinate Corps of the Woman's Relief Corps, auxiliary to the Grand 
Army of the Republic, such apnlication to be accompanied in all 
cases by a charter fee of ten dollars. 

Section 2. On receipt of such application the National President 
shall, if satisfied that it is for the interest of the Woman's Relief 
Corps to form such Department, proceed, either in person or by detail, 
to organize the Department, superintend the election of its officers 
for the remainder of the current year and complete its organization. 

Section 3. Department Charters shall be signed .by the National 
President, countersigned by the National Secretary, and shall bear 
date of organization. 

Section 4. Each Department shall be governed by a Department 
Convention, subordinate to the National Convention. 

Section 5. The National Convention at its annual session, or the 
National President, with the consent of the National Council, may at 
any time revoke the charter of a Department which has failed to for- 
ward its reports for tlu-ee successive quarters ; or for general incom- 
petency it may be remanded to a Provisional Department by the same 
authority. 

ARTICLE II. 

MEMBERSHIP. 

Section 1. The Department Convention shall consist of : — 

1. The National President, Past National Presidents, Past National 
Vice-Presidents, Past National Secretaries, and Past National Treas- 
urers, in their respective Departments, so long as they remain in 
good standing in their respective Corps. 

2. The Department Pi-esident and all Past Department Presi- 
dents who have served a full term, or who, having been elected to 
nil a vacancy, shall have seiwed to the end of the term, and Past 
Department Secretaries and Past Department Treasurers, so long as 
they remain in good standing in their respective Corps; and the other 
officers mentioned in Art. IT, Sect. 2, of this Chapter. 

3. All Corps Presidents throughout the Department,— in the absence 
of the C/orps President the Vice-President, according to seniority, may 
represent the Corps. All Past Corps Presidents who have served a full 
term (except in Departments which have otherwise provided by a two- 
thirds vote at an annual meeting), or who, having been elected to fill 
a vacancy, shall have served to the end of the term, so long as they 
remain in good standing in their respective Corps. 



CHAP. m. WOMAN'S RELIEF CORPS. 13 

4. Delegates regularly elected by the several Corps in such ratio 
as may have been determined by the previous Annual Convention, and 
one additional delegate for a final fraction of more than one-half of 
that number. 

Section 2. The number of delegates to which each Corps is entitled 
shall be determined by the quai-terly report of September 30 pre- 
ceding, each Corps being entitled to one delegate, v\'hatever its mem- 
bership. 

Section 3. Corps organized after September 30 and prior to Jan- 
nary 1 will elect delegates in the same ratio as above. 

Section 4. Corps organized on and after January 1 will be repre- 
sented by their President only (or Yice-President, according to 
seniority). 

Section 5. These delegates, and an equal number of alternates, 
shall be chosen at the same time and in the same manner of electing 
Corps officers at the first regular meeting in December, and shall 
serve during the year, commencing on the first day of January 
following. Any vacancies that occur may be filled as provided in Chap. 
II, Art. VII, Sect. 5, and notice of such election must be immediately 
forwarded to the Department Secretary. 

Section 6. The Installing Officer shall immediately after Installa- 
tion forward to the Department Secretai-y a list of newly elected 
officers, delegates and alternates, as provided in Chap. Y, Art. II, 
Sect. 1. 

ARTICLE III. 

MEETINGS. 

Section 1. There shall be an annual meeting of each Department 
Convention, at the same time and in the same town or city where 
the Department Encampment of the Grand Army of the Kepublic 
is held; provided, that if accommodations are inadequate for both, 
Convention shall be held at some contiguous point. A semi-annual 
meeting may be held, if so determined at the annual meeting of 
the Department or by the Department Council. 

Section 2. Special meetings of the Department Convention may 
be called by the Department President, by and with the advice and 
consent of the Department Council, and no business shall be trans- 
acted except that speciiied in the call. No alterations affecting the 
general interests of the Department shall be made at a special 
meeting. 

ARTICLE IV. 

OFFICEKS. 

Section 1. All members of the Woman's Relief Corps in good 
standing are eligible to any Corps, Department or National office. 

Section 2. The officers of each Department are a President, 
Senior Vice-President, Jimior Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, 
Chaplain, Inspector, Counselor, Instituting and Installing Officer, 
and an Executive Board of five members. These officers constitute 



14 RULES AND REGULATIONS chap. ai. 

the Department Council. The five members are elected by the 
Department Convention as the Executive Board for the year, and the 
first elected shall be chaiiman. 

ARTICLE Y. 

ELECTIOIT OF OFFICEKS. 

Section 1. The Department officers (except the Secretary, In- 
spector, Counselor and Instituting and Installing Officer, who are 
appointed by the Department President) shall be elected annually at 
the Department Convention by written ballot, unless such ballot be 
dispensed with by unanimous consent. 

Section 2. These officers shall enter upon their respective duties 
immediately after their installation, and hold office until their suc- 
cessors are installed. 

Section 8. Vacancies occurring in Department elective offices, 
either by death, written resignation or otherwise, shall be filled by the 
Depaf-tment Council, duly called and sitting within its ov.n jurisdiction, 
or by written acquiescence in the recommendation of the Department 
President by two-thirds of the Council. 

ARTICLE VI. 

DUTIES OF OFFICERS. 

Section 1. The Department President, immediately upon assum- 
ing the duties of her othce, shall appoint a Department Secretary, 
Inspector, Counselor, and Instituting and Installing Officer. She 
shall, upon the nomination of the Department Inspector, appoint as 
many Assistant Inspectors as maybe required; also all Department 
officers and committees not otherwise provided for, and as many 
Aides as she may deem necessary. 

She shall enforce the Rules and Regulations of the Woman's Relief 
Corps and all orders fi-om proper authority; for this puqiose she may 
issue such orders as may be necessary. She shall preside in Depart- 
ment Convention and Department Council, approve all orders for 
money properly draw^n on the Department Treasurer, and hold as 
trustee for the Department all securities given by Department officers; 
promulgate through the proper channels a Department password, and 
change the same at her discretion; she shall present to Dej^artment 
Encampment, through Department Commander, a brief report of 
relief work done by her Department during the year; sign and forward 
all reports due National Headquarters, also the per capita tax; issue 
charters to all Corps regularly organized in her Department; attest, 
by her signature, the re])orLs of Department Chaplain, Inspector, and 
Instituting and Installing Officer, forward them to the respective 
National Officers, and perform such other duties as are incumbent 
upon the office. 

Section 2. The Department Vice-Presidents shall assist the Presi- 
dent, by counsel or otherwise, and in her absence or disability shall 
fill her office according to seniority. 

Section 3. The Department Secretary shall conduct tlie official 
correspondence and issue all orders imder the direction of the Depart- 



CHAP. m. WOMAN'S RELIEF CORPS. 16 

ment President; keep correct records of the proceedings of Department 
Convention and Department Council, and prepare the minutes of th« 
Convention and reports of officers for publication, if so ordered by the 
Convention ; draw all orders for money upon the Department Treas- 
urer approved by the Department President; prepare all reports 
and returns to National Headquarters and transmit the same, through 
the Department President, to the National Secretary; and with the 
last quarterly report, before retiring from office, a detailed report of the 
condition of Corps and membership, for filing with the National Sec- 
retary; she shall forward to Corps Presidents, each quarter. Corps 
Secretary's Blanks, Form A, Corps Treasurer's Blanks Form B, 
Corps Relief Reports Form N, aud with first quarter's report blanks 
Memorial Day Blanks Form J, and at least ten days prior to Corps 
Elections Corps Election Returns Form L; shall forward to Corps 
Installing Officers Consolidated Report Corps Installation Form U, 
and Assistant Instituting and Installing Officer Blank Form G to 
the officer designated to institute a Corps in her Department; notify 
the Secretary of the Home Board of the death of any Army Nurse 
that may be known to her; forward name and residence of Depart- 
ment Chaplain to National Chaplain immediately after Department 
Conventions; forward all General Orders to outgoing, incoming and 
permanent representatives of National Convention; countersign all 
charters issued by the President; keep an Order Book, a General 
Order File, and Letter File; file all orders, reports and official corre- 
spondence; furnish list of all persons in the Department entitled to 
receive a copy of Journal of Proceedings of National Convention; 
and perform such other duties and keep such other records in con- 
nection with her office as may be required of her by the Department 
President or the Department Convention, and receive as compensa- 
tion for her services such sum as the Department Convention may 
determine. 

Section 4. The Department Treasurer shall hold the funds, 
vouchers and other property of the Department, fill all orders for 
supplies made on regular requisition blanks, receive all moneys 
dae the Department, giving her receipt therefor, pay all orders 
properly drawn by the Department Secretary and approved by the 
Department President, and disburse no moneys except upon regu- 
larly drawn orders. She shall forward through Department President 
all reports and dues required by Rules and Regulations, furnish to 
Corps a quarterly statement of their indebtedness, and a dupli(;ate 
statement to the Department President, and upon retiring from office 
furnish her successor a list of supplies on hand, also one of such sup- 
plies as will be needed at once, and give a bond in a sum to be fixed 
by the Department Convention, with sufficient sin*eties, to be ap- 
proved by the Department President, for the faithful discharge of her 
duties, and receive as compensation for her services such sum as the 
Department Convention may determine. 

Section 5. The Department Chaplain shall compile the Memorial 
Day reports forwarded by Corps Chaplains, and make consolidated 
report for the information of the Department President, sign and 
transmit a copy of each to the National Chaplain through the 
Department President, not later than .June 20, and perform such 
other duties in connection with her office as the Department Presi- 
dent or the Department Convention may require of her. 



16 RULES AND REGULATIONS chap. m. 

Section 6. The Department Inspector shall perform such duties 
as are prescribed in Chap. V, Art. 7, under direction of the Depart- 
ment President. 

Section 7. The Department Counselor shall familiarize herself 
with the Rules and Regulations, the official decisions of the Wom- 
an's Relief Corps, and be prepared to aid the Department Presi- 
dent a,nd Department Council, when called upon to do so, and per- 
form such other duties as may be required of her by the Department 
President. 

Section 8. . The Department Instituting and Installing Officer shall 
fit herself to properly organize and instruct Corps and install officers, 
when so directed by the Department President. She shall make a 
quarterly report on Foi'm H, for the information of the Department 
President, sign and affix her post-office address and transmit a copy 
of the same to National Instituting and Installing Officer through the 
Department President, at the same time reports are due at National 
Headquarters, and perform such other duties as may be assigned her. 

Section 9. The Department Council shall meet prior to, and im- 
mediately following, the Department Convention, and at such other 
times and places as the Department President may order, or at the 
written request of five members; and five members shall constitute 
a quormn. They shall keep a full and detailed record of their pro- 
ceedings and submit the same through the Department Secretary as 
their report to the Department Convention for their consideration. 
Unless legalized by that body they have no force or standing in law. 

Section 10. The Executive Board shall hold its meetings at such 
time and place as the Department President may order, or at the 
written request of three members, and shall counsel with the Depart- 
ment President in matters affecting the welfare of the Department^ 
and report to the Department Council at the meeting held prior to 
the opening of Department Convention. They shall select from their 
number an Auditing Committee, who shall audit the accoimts of the 
Treasurer quarterly, and report at such times as the Board may 
direct. 

Section 11. The several Staff Officers shall make to the Depart- 
ment Convention — through the Department Secretary — full and 
complete reports, in writing, of the official duties performed in their 
respective Departments, and when retiring from office shall deliver to 
their successors all moneys, books or other property of the Depart- 
ment in their possession or under tlieir control. 

ARTICLE VIL 

VOTING. 

Each representative present at a meeting of the Department Con- 
vention shall be entitled to one vote. Members entitled to repre- 
sentation by virtue of past office, shall be entitled to but one vote. 
The ayes and noes may be required and entered upon record at the 
call of any three members re^jresenting different Corps. 

ARTICLE VIII. 

DELEGATES. 

Delegates to the National Convention sliall be chosen as provided 
in Art. II of tJiis Chapter. 



CHAP. IV. WOMAN'S RELIEF CORPS. 17 

ARTICLE IX. 

BY-LAWS. 

Department Conventions may adopt By-Laws for the government 
of the Department not inconsistent with these Rules and Regulations, 
the Service Book, or Orders of the National Convention, and may 
provide for the alteration and amendment thereof. 

CHAPTER IV. 



ARTICLE I. 

NATIONAL, CONVENTION. 

The supreme power of the Woman's Relief Corps is the National 
Convention. 

ARTICLE II. 

MEMBERSnir. 

Section 1. The National Convention shall consist of: — 

1. The National President, Past National Presidents and Past 
National Vice-Presidents, Past National Secretaries and Past National 
Treasurers, so long as they remain in good standing in their respec- 
tive Corps, and. the other officers named in Art. IV, Sect. 2, of this 
Chapter. 

2. Of the Presidents, Vice-Presidents, Secretaries and Treasurers of 
the several Departments. 

3. Of the Presidents and Secretaries of Provisional Departments, 
and Presidents of all Detached Corps where no Department organiza- 
tion exists. 

4. Of Past Department Presidents who have served a full term, 
or who having been elected to fill a vacancy shall have served to the 
end of the term, so long as they remain in good standing in their 
several Corps. 

5. Of one delegate at large from each Department, and one dele- 
gate for each seven hundred members, and one additional delegate for 
a final fraction of more than one-half of that munber, in good stand- 
ing at the close of the fourth quarter ending December 31; such 
delegates to be elected by the Department Convention, at the same 
time and in the same manner of electing Department officers. Depart- 
ments having less than seven hundred members shall be entitled to 
but one delegate — a delegate at large. Each Department shall be 
entitled to one delegate v/hatever its membership. 

Section 2. Each Department shall also elect, at the same time 
and in the same manner, an equal number of alternates, including an 
alternate at large. Only the above officers, and delegates or their 
alternates, shall be admitted to seats, except as provided in Chap. 
Ill, Art. V, Sec. 3. 

Section 3. The Installing Officer shall, immediately after installa- 
tion, forward to the National Secretary a list of the newly elected 
officers, delegates and alternates, as provided in Chap. V, Art. II, 
Sec. 2, and transmit a copy of the same to the National Secretary for 
the information of the National President. 



18 RULES AXD REGULATIONS chap. rv. 

ARTICLE III. 

MEETINGS. 

Section 1. The National Convention shall be held annually at 
the same time, and in the town or city where the National Encamp- 
ment of the Grand Army of the Republic is held; provided, that if 
accommodations are inadequate for both, Convention shall be held at 
some contiguous point. 

Section 2. Special meetings of the National Convention may be 
called by the National President, by and with the advice and consent 
of the National Coimcil, and no business shall be transacted except 
that specified in the call. No alterations affecting the general inter- 
ests of the Order shall be made at a special meeting. 



ARTICLE ly. 

OFFICERS. 

Section 1. All members of the Woman's Relief Corps in good 
standing are eligible to any Corps, Department or National office. 

Section 2. The National officers of the Woman's Relief Corps 
are a National President, National Senior and Junior Vice-Presi- 
dents, National Secretary, National Treasurer, National Chaplain, 
National Inspector, National Counselor, National Instituting and 
Installing Officer and a National Executive Board. These officers 
constitute the National Council. The five members elected by 
National Convention annually, and the life members, constitute the 
Executive Board for the year, of which the first elected shall be chair- 
man. 

Section 3. The five electee] members of the National Woman's 
Relief Corps Home Board shall be recognized as National officers 
during their term of office and be voting members of National Con- 
vention. They shall be obligated the same as all other National 
officers. 

ARTICLE V. 
election of officers. 

Section 1. The National Officers of the Woman's Relief Corps 
(except the National Secretary, National Inspector, National Coun- 
selor, and National Instituting' and Installing Officer, who are appoint- 
ed by the President), shall bo elected annually at the National Con- 
vention by written ballot imless such ballot be dispensed with by 
unanimous consent. 

Section 2. These officers shall enter upon their respective duties 
immediately after their installation, and hold office until their suc- 
cessors are installed. 

Section 8. Vacancies occurring in National elective offices shall 
be filled by the xVational Council, either at a special meeting or by 
written acquiescence in the recommendation of the National Presi- 
dent by two-thirds of the Council. 



CHAP. IV. WOMAN'S RELIEF CORPS. 19 

ARTICLE VI. 

DUTIES OF OFFICERS. 

Section 1. The National President, immediately upon assuming 
the duties of her office, shall appoint a National Secretary, National 
Inspector, National Counselor, and National Instituting and Install- 
ing Officer, and as many Assistant National Inspectors and Aides as 
she may deem necessary. She shall appoint all other National offi- 
cers and committees not otherwise provided for. 

She shall enforce the Rules and Regulations of the Woman's Relief 
Corps, and the orders of the National Convention and National 
Council, and for this purpose she may issue such orders as may be 
necessary. She shall preside in National Convention and National 
Council, and decide all questions of law or usage, subject to an appeal 
to the National Convention; approve all orders for money properly 
drawn on the National Treasurer, and hold as trustee for the Woman's 
Relief Corps all securities given by National officers. She shall pro- 
mulgate through the proper officers the National password and may 
change the same at her discretion; shall issue charters to all Depart- 
ments when regularly organized, and may appoint Provisional Presi- 
dents where no Department organization exists. 

Section 2. The National Vice-Presidents shall assist the National 
President by counsel or otherwise, and in her absence or disability, 
shall fill her office according to seniority. 

Section 3. The National Secretaiy shall conduct the official cor- 
respondence and issue all orders, under direction of the National 
President; keep correct records of the proceedings of the National 
Convention and Council, and prepare the minutes of the Convention 
and reports of officers for publication if so ordered by the Convention. 
All reports received by her from Departments shall be turned over to 
the proper officers. She shall prepare all blanks and books required 
for the use of the Woman's Relief Corps. She shall forward to Depart- 
ment Presidents, each quarter. Department Secretary's Blank Form 
C, Department Treasurer's Blank Form D, Department Secretary's 
Consolidated Blank Form E, Department Treasurer's Consolidated 
Blank Form F, and at least thirty days prior to Department Conven- 
tion, Department Election Returns Form M, and Department Treas- 
urer's Bonds; and Department Delinquent Blanks Form V., with the 
report blanks for quarter ending June 30 each year. She sliall for- 
ward to Detached Corps Presidents, each quarter, Corps Secretary's 
Blank Form A, Corps Treasurer's Blank Form B, Corps Relief Re- 
ports Form N; and at least ten days prior to Corps Elections, ('orps 
Election Returns Form L, and Corps Treasurer's Bond. She shall for- 
ward Assistant Instituting and Installing Officer's Blank Form G to the 
officer designated to institute a Detached Corps; shall draw all or lers 
for money on the National Treasurer, approved by the National Presi- 
dent, and perform such other duties and keep such books and records 
as may be required of her by the NTational President or National Con- 
vention. She shall forward to National Chaplain a correct list of 
names and addresses of Department Chaplains and Presidents of 
Detached Corps. She shall prepare a list of suspended Detached 
Corps for the information of her successor and give a bond in the sum 
of one thousand dollars or such amount as shall be voted by the Na- 



20 RULES AND REGULATIONS chap. iv. 

tional Convention, with sufficient sureties to be approved by the 
National President, and receive such com pensation for her services as 
the National Convention may determine. 

Section 4. The National Treasurer shall hold all funds and 
vouchers of the National Convention, order all supplies under 
direction of the National President, receive all moneys due the Na- 
tional Convention, giving her receipt therefor, pay all orders drawn on 
her by the National Secretary, and approved by the National Presi- 
dent, disburse no moneys except upon regularly drawn orders, fill 
all orders for supplies for the use of the "Woman's Relief Corps, made 
by Department Treasusers on regular requisition blanks, and under the 
directioa of the National President charge a reasonable and uniform 
price for the same. She shall furnish to Departments and Detached 
Corps quarterly statements of their indebtedness and a duplicate 
statement to the National President, and give a bond in the sum of 
five thousand dollars, or such amount as shall be voted by National 
Convention, with sufficient siu-eties to be approved by the National 
President, for the faithful discharge of her duties, and receive such 
compensiition for her services as the National Convention may 
determine. 

Section 5. The National Chaplain shall consolidate the Memorial 
Day reports of Department Chaplains, and, in her annual report, make 
such recommendations as will advance the charitable and fraternal 
work of the Order, and perform such duties in connection with her 
office as the National President or National Convention may require. 
She shall forward Department Chaplain's Report blanks Form K to 
Department Chaplains, and Memorial Day blanks Form J to Detached 
Coi-ps. 

Section 6. The National Inspector shall perform such duties as are 
required in Chap. V, Art. Y, under direction of the National President. 

Section 7. The National Coimselor shall familiarize herself with 
the Rules and Regulations and the official decisions of the Woman's 
Relief Corps, and be prepared to aid the National President and 
National Coimcil, when called upon to do so, and perform such other 
duties as may be required of her by the National President. 

Section 8. The National Instituting and Installing Officer shall 
forward Department Instituting and Installing Officers' blanks Form 
H to Department Instituting and Installing Officers; shall receive and 
consolidate the reports of Department Instituting and Installing 
Officers on Form I, also National Aides, and the organization of Pro- 
visional Departments, compiling the same for the information of the 
National President, sign and transmit a copy of the same to the Na- 
tional Secretary, and i)erform such other duties as may be assigned 
her. 

Section 9. The National Council shall meet prior to and imme- 
diately following the National Convention, and at such other times 
and places as the National President may order, or at the written 
request of five members ; and five members shall constitute a quorum. 
They shall keep full and detailed records of their proceedings, and 
present the same as their report to the National Convention, for 
the consideration of that body. 



CHAP. IV. WOMAN'S RELIEF CORPS. 21 

Section 10. The Executive Board shall hold its meetings at such 
time and place as the National President may order, or at the written 
request of three members, and shall counsel with the National 
President in matters aSecting the welfare of the National Association, 
and report to the National Council at the meeting held prior to the 
opening of National Convention. They shall select from their num- 
ber an Auditing Committee, who shall audit the accounts of the Treas- 
urer annually, and report at such times as the Board may direct. 

Section II. The National Woman's Relief Corps Home Board 
shall hold its meetings at such time and place as the laws govern- 
ing the Home provide. They shall have charge of the working 
interests of the Home, and make regular statements to the National 
President and annual reports to National Convention. 

Section 12. The several Staff Officers shall present to the Nation- 
al Convention, through the National Secretary, full and detailed 
reports in print of the official duties performed in their respective 
Departments, and when retiring from office shall deliver to their 
successors all moneys, books or other property of the Woman's 
Relief Corps in their possession or under their control. 

ARTICLE VII. 

VOTING. 

Each representative present at a meeting of the National Conven- 
tion shall be entitled to one vote. Members entitled to representa- 
tion, by virtue of past office, shall be entitled to hut one vote. The 
'lyes and noes may be required and entered upon record at the call 
01 any three members representing different Departments. 

ARTICLE VIII. 

DISBUKSEMENTS. 

Disbursements from the National Treasury shall only be in behalf 
of the objects of the Woman's Relief Corps, or its incidental expenses, 
and shall be made either by direction of the National Convention or 
National Council or the Executive Board of the same. All orders 
for money must be dra^vn on the National Treasurer by the National 
Secretary and approved by the National President. 

ARTICLE IX. 

PROVISIONAL OFFICERS. 

Section 1. When three Corps have been formed where no^ De- 
partment organization exists, the National President may appoint a 
Provisional President who shall assume command, and with the ap- 
proval of the National President, appoint a Senior and Junior Vice- 
President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Chaplain ; these officers, with 
the Provisional President, shall constitute the Provisional Council, 
and for the time being have all the powers and duties of permanent 
Department Officers; and when the complement of five Corps has 
been formed, may proceed with a call for convention and the 
organization of a permanent Department, by and with the advice of 
the National President. 

Section 2. The terms of Provisional Officers expire with the 
appointing power, they however hold office until their successors are 
installed. 



22 RULES AND REGULATIONS chap. v. 

CHAPTER V. 

GENERAL RULES. 



ARTICLE I. 

REPORTS. 

Section 1. Each Corps Secretary shall forward through the Corps 
President quarterly reports to the Department Secretary on the first 
days of January, April, July and October; she shall at the same 
time forward the names of rejected applicants, not previously reported. 
The name of a person dishonorably discharged shall be forwarded 
to Headquarters without delay. See Chap. V, Art. YII, Sec. 3. 

Section 2. Each Department Secretary shall, upon receipt of 
reports, note thereon the date of reception, and turn over the 
Coi-ps Treasurers' reports to the Department Treasurer. She shall 
consolidate the quarterly reports of Corps Secretaries on Form C, 
for the information of the Department President, within twenty 
days after the beginning of each quarter and prepare a copy of the 
same to be forwarded by the Depaitment President to the National 
Secretary, on or before the twentieth day of each quarter. She shall 
prepare a duplicate copy of Election Returns on Form M to be for- 
warded to the Secretary of the National W. R. C. Home Board. She 
shall also make such supplemental reports as may be required by 
National Headquarters. Corps failing to report in time for the con- 
solidation shall .be marked suspended, for that quarter, and their 
membership shall not be counted in returns. 

Section 3. The National Secretary shall, upon receipt of reports, 
note thereon the date of reception, and turn over the Department 
Treasurer's reports to the National Treasurer. She shall consoli- 
date the reports of the Department Secretaries, for the infor- 
mation of the Mational President, and present an annual report to 
the National Convention. 

Section 4. Each Corps Treasurer shall make a quarterly report 
on Form B to the Department Treasurer, to be forwarded by the 
Corps President to the Department Secretary on the first days of 
January, xA-pril, July and October. 

Section 5. Each Department Treasurer shall consolidate the 
Corps Treasurers' reports on Form D, for the information of the 
Department President, within twenty days after the beginning of each 
quarter, and prepare a copy to be forwarded by the Department Presi- 
dent to the National Secretary on or before the twentieth day of each 
quarter. She shall also make such supplemental reports as may be 
required by National Headquarters. 

Section 6. The National Treasurer shall consolidate the Depart- 
ment Treasurers' reports, and prepare and forward a copy to the 
National President for her information, and present an annual report 
to National Convention. She shall also make such supplemental 
reports as may be required by National Headquarters. 



CHAP. V. WOMAN'S RELIEF CORPS. 28 

ARTICLE 11. 

ELECTION RETURNS. 

Section 1. Corps Installing Officers shall, immediately after in- 
stallation, forward to the Department Secretary, on Corps Election 
Return clanks, Form L, certified to as correct by the retiring Presi- 
dent, a list of newly elected Corps officers, delegates and alternates 
to Department Convention, the names of all Past Corps Presidents 
belonging to the Corps and entitled to seats in Department Conven- 
tion, also the names of all members in good standing who have 
held the position of Department President, National President or 
National Senior or Junior Vice-Presidents, National Secretary or 
National Treasurer, Department Secretary or Department Treasurer, 
and shall forward a copy of the same to the Department Instituting 
and Installing Officer. 

Section 2. Department Installing officers shall, immediately after 
installation, forward to the National Secretary, on Department Elec- 
tion Retui'n blanks. Form M, certified to as correct by the retiring 
President, a list of newly elected Department officers, delegates, and 
alternates to National Convention, the names of all Past Department 
Presidents entitled to seats in National Convention; also the names of 
all members in good standing who have held the position of National 
President, National Senior or Junior Vice-Presidents, National Sec- 
retary or National Treasurer, and shall forward a copy of the same to 
the National Instituting and Installing Officer. 

ARTICLE III. 

DUES. 

Section 1. Each Coi-ps, either through its By-Laws or by a vote 
at the last meeting in December, shall assess upon its members a 
sum payable quarterly on the first days of January, April, July and 
October, to be known as quarterly dues. These dues include the 
per capita tax due the Department. Members pay dues for the 
quarter in which they are initiated. 

Section 2'. Each Department Convention, at its annual session, 
shall assess a per capita tax on each Corps in its jurisdiction, not 
exceeding one dollar per annum on each member therein. This tax 
shall be drawn from the general fund of the C'orps, the amount to be 
determined by the number of members in good standing as reported 
by the Corps President on the first days of January, April, July, and 
October, and shall be forwarded in quarterly instalments by the Corps 
President to the Department Secretary, payable to the Department 
Treasurer, who shall receipt therefor. Corps pay per capita tax for 
the quarter in which they are organized. 

Section 3. The National Convention, at its annual session, shall 
assess a per capita tax on each Department not exceeding twenty-four 
cents per annum on each and every member in good standing therein, 
payable in quarterly instalments, to be forwarded by the Department 
President to the National Secretary, payable to the order of National 
Treasurer (who shall receipt therefor), on or before the twentieth day 
of January, April, July and October. The amoimt of quarterly tax 



24 RULES AND REGULATIONS chap. v. 

due from each Department shall be determined by the number of 
members in good standing therein, on the first day of the current 
quarter, as reported by the Department President. 

ARTICLE IV. 

AEEEABAGES. 

Section 1. Any member of a Corps who is six months in arrears 
for dues shall be prohibited from voting, shall be ineligible to any 
office in the Woman's Relief Corps, and shall be reported "suspended" 
in the quarterly reports to Department Headquarters, until such 
dues are paid. While so reported, the Corps shall not be subject 
to the per capita tax on such member, and she shall not be counted 
in the representation of the Corps in the Department Convention, 
nor of the Department in the National Convention ; provided, how- 
ever, that when a member is unable by reason of sickness or misfor- 
tune to pay her dues, they may be remitted by a two-thirds vote of 
the members voting at a regular meeting of the Corps. The amount 
of dues thus remitted shalf be paid directly to the member and she 
shall pay it to the Treasurer in the regular order, that both transac- 
tions may be carried on the Treasurer's books. 

Section 2. If a member be one year in arrears for dues, she shall 
be dropped from the roll, and reinstated only (on regular application) 
by the Corps which dropped her, on a two-thirds vote by ballot of 
all members present and voting at a regular meeting, and upon payment 
of a sum to be determined by a two-thirds vote of members present and 
voting at a regular meeting; said sum not to be less than the amount 
charged as initiation fee. If elected, she shall be re-obligated by the 
Corps from which she was dropped, or upon the written request of 
the Corps reinstating her, she may be re-obligated in any Corps within 
whose jurisdiction she may reside. 

Section 3. Any Corps in arrears for reports or dues shall be ex- 
cluded from all representation in the Department Convention until 
the same are forwarded. 

Section 4. Any Department in arrears for reports or dues shall 
be excluded from all representation in the National Convention until 
the same are forwarded. 

ARTICLE V. 
inspection. 
Section 1. There shall be a thorough inspection of each Corps 
every year, dm'ing the months of September, October and November, 
excepting in such Departments as shall by a two-thirds vote at an 
annual meeting decide upon other three consecutive months, by the 
Department Inspector, Assistant Inspectors, or other members as- 
signed to such duty, a report, of the same to be forwarded to the De- 
partment Inspector immediately thereafter. Such additional inspec- 
tion shall be made as the Department President may deem neces- 
sary, on the recommendation of the Department Inspector, or when 
directed by the National Inspector. The Department Inspector shall 
forward Assistant Inspector's Blanks Form O to Assistant Inspectors, 
and consolidate the same on consolidated report of Department In- 
spector Form F, for the information of the Department President, 
and prepare a copy to be forwarded through the Department Presi- 



CHAP. V. WOMAN'S RELIEF CORPS. 25 

dent to the National Inspector not later than June 1. She shall 
prepare a sumiuary of inspection and send with her consolidated 
report to National Inspector. 

Sectioit 2. Each Department President shall divide her Depart- 
ment into such number of inspection Districts as she deems neces- 
sary, changing the same at her discretion. 

She shall, on the nomination of the Department Inspector, appoint 
Assistant Inspectors, who shall be assigned to duty and serve during 
the pleasure of the Department President. 

Section 3. Assistant National Inspectors shall be appointed by 
the National President on the nomination of the National Inspector, 
and on resigning their position shall forward their resignation direct 
to the National Inspector. They shall inspect the work and examine 
the Books and Records of Department ofiicers, under direction of 
National Inspector, within three days prior to Department Convention, 
shall report the result of the same immediately, and perform such 
other duties as may be required of them by the National President 
or fSational Inspector. 

Section 4. The National Inspector shall prescribe the form of 
blanks to be used for the inspection of Corps, and with the approval 
of the National President may give such special instructions in 
reference to inspections as may be deemed necessary. She shall 
forward Assistant Inspector's blanks Form O, to Inspectors of De- 
tached Corps, Department Inspector's blanks, Form P, to Depart- 
ment Inspectors, and Assistant National Inspector's blanks Form R, 
to Assistant National Inspectors. She shall consolidate reports of 
Assistant National Inspectors on Form S, and Department Inspectors 
on Form T, for the information of the Na,tional President, and present 
a report to the National Convention. 

Section 5. All books, papers, accounts, records and proceedings 
pertaining to the Woman's Relief Corps, shall be subject to inspec- 
tion at all times by the several inspecting officers in their respective 
districts. 

ARTICLE YI. 

APPEALS. 

All members have the right of appeal to the next higher authority, 
through the proper channels, from acts of Corps Presidents or Corps, 
and Depari ment Presidents or Department Conventions to the Na- 
tional President, whose decision shall be final, unless reversed by the 
National Convention; but all decisions appealed from shall have full 
force and effect until reversed by proper authority. Appeals must be 
taken within sixty days from date of rendering official decision. 
Appeals carried to and acted upon by a National Convention are be- 
yond the jurisdiction of and cannot be reviewed by a National Presi- 
dent, unless by vote of Convention they be referred to the incoming 
National President. 

ARTICLE VII. 

DISCIPLINE. 

Section 1. Offences cognizable by the Woman's Relief Corps 
shall be: 



26 RULES AND REGULATIONS chap. v. 

1. Disloyalty to the United States, or violation of the pledge to per- 
petuate the objects of this association. 

2. Disobedience of Rules and Regulations or of lawful orders. 

3. Conduct prejudicial to good order and discipline. 
Section 2. Penalties to either are: 

1. Dishonorable discharge. 

2. Suspension for a specified period. 

3. Reprimand, at the discretion of the Coiu-t. 

Section 3. A member can be dishonorably discharged only upon 
due trial and sentence as provided in this Article. 

Section 4. All accusations against, any member of the Woman's 
Relief Corps shall be made in form of written charges and specifications 
and shall be read before the Corps at a regular meeting, notice of such 
charges being entertained having been given at the last meeting of 
the Corps. Charges must be sustained by a majority vote of the Corps, 
and expenses of the court of inquiry borne by the Corps. 

Section 5. Charges having been preferred against an officer, she 
may be suspended from the duties of her office by Corps, Department 
or National Presidents in their respective jurisdictions. 

Section 6. Corps, Department and National Presidents, in then- 
respective jurisdictions, shall have discretionary power, after having 
investigated said charges and specifications, to convene a Court of In- 
quiry for the examination of alleged offences. Provided, however, 
that in cases where a Corps President decides it unnecessary to con- 
vene such Court, an appeal may be taken by the Corps. 

Section 7. A Court of Inquiry shall consist of not less than five 
unprejudiced members in good standing in the Order. An officer shall 
be tried by a court of her peers. 

Section 8. Where Department cases demand National investiga- 
tion, the expense must be borne by the Department. 

Section 9. The accused shall be given notice at least ten days 
before the trial takes place. Said notice shall contain a copy of the 
charges and specifications, and shall name the time and place of trial. 
If personal service of said notice cannot be had, depositing it in U. S. 
Mail, addressed to the last known Post Office address of the accused, 
shall be considered due notice. 

Section 10. Any member of the Order iu good standing may be 
summoned to give testimony at a Court of Inquiry on her honor as 
a woman. Only members of the Woman's Relief Corps are allowed 
to participate in a Court of Inquiry, except when called as witnesses. 

Section U. The evidence being concluded, a vote shall be taken 
on each charge and specification as to the guilt or innocence of the 
accused, a majority vote • being necessary to a decision. The 

frade of punishment shall be: 1st, Dishonorable Discharge; 2nd, 
uspenslon; 3rd, Reprimand. Should the accused be found guilty, 
the Court shall proceed to vote upon the grade of pimishment, com- 
mencing witli the highest. Should a majority vote in the negative, 
they shall proceed to vote upon the next in like manner until a 
grade of punishment is arrived at. 



CHAP. V. WOMAN'S RELIEF CORPS. 2T 

Section 12. The sentence of a Court of Inquiry shall not be carried 
into effect until the proceedings have been submitted to the offi- 
cer by whose order the Court was convened, for confirmation or dis- 
approval, and orders in the case. And no sentence of dishonorable 
discharge shall be carried into effect until the sentence has been 
approved by the officer next superior to the one ordering the Court. 

Section 13. The foldings or sentence of Courts of Inquiry shall 
be promulgated through special orders for the Department in which 
the trouble originated, sending such orders outside of this Dej^art- 
ment to members of the National Staff and Departments only. 

Section 14. Department and National Presidents, as reviewing 
Officers in Court of Inquiry proceedings, may, Avith the advice and 
consent of their Council, revise, remit or reduce the sentence of a 
Conrt of Inquiry in meritorious cases, according to their best judg- 
ment. 

Section 15. All papers which have been forwarded to National 
Headquarters for investigation are the property of the Order and 
must be filed at National Headquarters until disposed of by National 
Convention. 

ARTICLE VIIL ♦ 

seckecy. 

Section 1. The Bitual and umoritten work of the Woman'' i< 
Relief Corps, the names of persons causinr/ the rejection of applicants 
for membership, or any mformation as to the cause or means of such 
rejection shall be kept secret; but any part of proceedings of Corps 
may be published if ordered by vote of Corps, and any part of the 
proceedings of a Department Convention may be published if ordered 
by the Department Convention or Department Council, and any part 
of the proceedings of the National Convention may be published if 
ordered by the National Convention or National Council. 

Section 2. All discussions of matters secret to the Order in pres- 
ence of persons not members of the Woman^s Belief Corps shall be a 
violation of the obligation of secrecy. 

Section 3. A member convicted of dividging any of the secrets 
of the Wo7nan^s Relief Corps, or of violating any of the provisions 
of this Article, may be dishonorably discharged. 

ARTICLE IX. 

BONDS. 

Section 1. Corps Treasurers are required to give bonds in a simi 
to be named by the Corps, with sufficient sureties, for the faithful 
discharge of their duties. The bond to be given, and accepted by the 
Corps before installation. 

Section 2. Department Treasurers shall give bonds in a sum 
to be named by the Department Convention, with sufficient sureties 
for the faithful discharge of their duties. 

Section 3. The National Treasurer shall give bonds in the sum 
of five thousand dollars, or such amount as shall be voted by National 
Convention, with sufficient sureties for the faithful discharge of hei- 
duties. 



28 RULES AND REGULATIONS chap. v. 

Section 4. The National Secretary shall give bonds in the sum 
of one thousand dollars, or such amount as shall be voted by National 
Convention, with sufficient sureties lor the faithful discharge of her 
duties. 

Section 5. The bonds of the above-named officers shall be 
approved and held by their respective Presidents as trustees. 

ARTICLE X. 

EELIEF FUND. 

A relief fund shall be established by the several Corps, for the 
assistance of needy Union soldiers, sailors and marines, and their 
families, and widows and orphans of deceased Union soldiers, sailors 
and marines. Any donations to this fund shall be held sacred for 
such purpose. 

A relief fund shall be established by each Department Convention, 
to be disbursed by order of the Department President, through the 
regTilar channels. A relief fund shall be established by the National 
Convention, to be similarly dispensed. Department and National 
funds may be applied to cases not covered by subordinate Corps. 

ARTICLE XL 

MEMORIAL DAY. 

The National Convention hereby ordains the observance of Memo- 
rial Day, on the 30th of May, enjoining its members to aid and assist 
the Grand Army of the Republic in commemorating the deeds of 
their fallen comrades, and that they do all in their power to bring 
about a proper recognition of the day and its sacred customs. 

ARTICLE XII. 

PROXIES. 

No proxy or substitute can act or be installed in place of a regular 
representative, either in Corps, Department or National deliberative 
bodies of the Woman's Relief Corps. 

ARTICLE XIII. 

TITLES OF ADDRESS. 

In the meetings of the several bodies of the Woman's Relief Corps, 
officers shall be addressed by the title of their office. 

ARTICLE XIV. 

PAST OFFICERS. 

Past officers withdrawing from the Order lose all honors they may 
have gained. To regain these honors they must be earned by actual 
service. 

ARTICLE XV. 

ENGROSSING CHARTERS. 

Department and Detached Corps Charters must be engrossed at 
National Headquarters. 



CHAP. V. WOMAN'S RELIEF CORPS. 29 

ARTICLE XVI. 

DISPOSITION OF COIiKESPONDENCE. 

All old official correspondence, not needed for future reference, may- 
be destroyed. 

ARTICLE XVIL 

CONTPvIBUTIONS FOR MEMORIAL DAY, 

All contributions from Corps and Departments for Memorial Halls 
and Memorial Day in the South shall be sent through the regular 
channels to the National Treasurer, who shall forward the same to 
the Quartermaster-General of the Grand Army of the Republic for 
distribution among the most worthy and needy Posts. 

ARTICLE XVIII. 

REVISIONS. 

All revisions authorized by the National Convention shall be made 
by the retiring National President and Secretaiy, not later than sixty 
days after National Convention. 

ARTICLE XIX. 

BADGES. 

Section 1. The membership badge of the Woman's Relief Corps 
shall be, in form and material, that adopted at National Convention 
held in Minneapolis, July 23d, 1884, and no other shall be worn as 
the badge of the Woman's Relief Corps, except that prescribed for 
Officers and Past Officers, and must be obtained from National Head- 
quarters through the proper channels. 

This badge is a Maltese cross of copper bronze, with the Grand 
Army medallion suspended from a bar pin, bearing the initials 
"F. C. L." (Fraternity, Charity, Loyalty), by a red, white and blue 
ribbon, one and one-half inches long in the clear, and one and one- 
fourth inches in v.idth. 

Section 2. The official badge is the same, except that the bar 
pin designates the office, and the ribbon is of solid color, blue desig- 
nating the Corps, red the Department, and yellow the National. 

This badge may be worn by all Corps, Department or National 
officers in the Woman's Relief Corps, when on duty or on occasions 
of ceremony. 

Section 3. Assistant Inspectors, Assistant Instituting and In- 
stalling Officers, Department or National, shall wear a white ribbon 
one-half inch wide over the ribbon of their badges, lengthwise in the 
centre. 

Section 4. The Memorial Badge is a neat bow of black gros 
grain ribbon, one inch wide, fastened just above the badge so as to 
partly conceal it. 

Section 5. The Recognition Pin is a small Maltese cross of 
copper bronze, bearing the initials "W. R. C." and "1883" (the year 
of National organization) on its points. Has raised centre-piece, 
with "F. C. L." on diagonal bar. Is also made in gold, with centre 
in tri-colored enamel. The pin is designed as a means of recognition 
among members. 



30 RULES AND REGULATIONS chap. v. 

Section 6. Past officers are entitled to wear the past rank badge of 
the highest position they have held in the Woman's Relief Corps. 

Past rank is designated as follows : To the bar pin of Past Corps 
officers is suspended a copper bronze shield. To the bar pin of Past 
Department officers a silver shield. To the bar pin of Past National 
elected officers, also Past National Secretaries, Treasurers, Inspectors, 
Counselors and Instituting and Installing Officers a red Geneva Cross. 
To the bar pin of all other Past National appointed officers a gilt or 
gold shield. 

Section 7. No member shall be allowed to sit in Corps meeting 
or Convention without wearing the badge, unless excused by vote in 
special cases. 

Section 8. Corps officers badges are Corps property, belong to 
the Corps, and revert with office. 

Badges of all Department and National Officers, both elected and 
appointed, belong to and revert with office. 

Retired officers desiring past rank badges, must procure them 
through their Corps or Department Presidents. 

Section 9. Officers of new Corps having paid for, but not received 
a membership badge, shall upon retiring from office, receive from the 
Corps a past rank badge. 

Section 10. Before receiving an honorable discharge from the 
Order, members must return their badge' to the Corps of which they 
are a member and are entitled to receive the regular price therefor. 

Section 11. Officers of disbanded Corps are entitled to past offi- 
cers' badges, provided they join another Corps in the same Depart- 
ment before the expiration of their transfer card. 

ARTICLE XX. 
letters designating free blanks. 
*A. — Corps Secretary. 
*B. — Corps Treasurer. 

C. — Department Secretary. 

D. — Department Treasurer. 

E. — Department Secretary's Consolidated Blank. 

F. — Department Treasurer's Consolidated Blank. 
*G. — Assistant Instituting and Installing Officer. (Corps.) 

H. — Department Instituting and Installing Officer. (Dept.) 

I. —National Instituting and Installing Officer. (Consolidated.) 
*J. — Corps Chaplain, "Memorial Day Blank." 

K. — Department Chaplain, National Chaplain. 
*L. — Corps Election Returns. — (Corps Installing Officer's Report. ) 
M. — Dept. Election Returns. — (Dept. Installing Officer's Report.) 
*N. — Corps Relief. 
*0. — Assistant Inspector. 

P. — Department Inspector. 

R. — Assistant National Inspector. 

S. — Consolidated Report of Assistant National Inspector. 

T. — Consolidated Report of Department Inspector. 
*U. — Consolidated IJeport of Corps Installation. 

V. — Department D>-linquent Hepoi-)s. 
JI^r^NOTE. — F'or distribution of Free BInnks (see third pag:e of cover. 
*lilaiiks marlcpd (•), aso Cliarter AijpUcation Blaiiks and Departuient 
Rfcqui.-ition Books, must l)e ordered by Uepartnient Treasurer Irom National 
Treasurer on regular requisition blanks. 



CHAP. V. WOMAN'S RELIEF CORPS. 81 

ARTICLE XXI. 
OFFICIAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

Communications are to be made on letter paper, folded in three 
equal parts, and endorsed on the first fold in the following ma nner : 

Headquarters Corps, No ) 

Department of W. R. C, > 

Auxiliary to the G. A. R. ) 

, 18 . . 

A .T. . B 

President. 
[Here give brief statement of contents.] 

Reply will be made by endorsement through the different channels 
required. Members address Corps Secretaries ; Corps Presidents the 
Department Secretary; Department Presidents the National Secre- 
tary, From National Headquarters to Corps the reverse rule is fol- 
lowed. The National Secretary addresses the Department President, 
and the Department Secretary Ihe Corps President, 

As a matter of convenience the Department Secretary may address 
the National Secretaiy on subjects of routine business. 

FORMS. 
[For a Member in the Corps,] 

, 18 . . . 

A D , 

Secretary .,,.., Corps, No 

Madam : 

I respectfully ask a decision on the following point: 
************* 

Yours in F, C. and X., 

L L 

[Corps to Department.] 

Headquarters . . Corps, No. . . Department . . W. R. C. / 

Auxiliary to the G. A. R. ( 

18 . . 



Secretary Department of 

Madam : 
*********** 

Yours in F. C. and L., 

G . . . . H . 



Corps President. 



32 RULES AND REGULATIONS i 

[Depaetment to National Headquabters.] 

:>aetment of "w. i 

Auxiliary to the G. A. R. 



Headquarters Department of W. R^C, \ 



I J , 

National Secretary, W. R. C. 
Madam : 

Yours in F.y C. and L., 

K L 

Department President. 



ORDERS. 

Orders received by Corps must be read in regular order of business, 
at the next meeting after being received. No vote is necessary on 
their reception. If business is suggested it lays over until " New 
Business'' ; otherwise the orders will be duly filed. All official orders 
issued by Cori)s and Departments will follow in style and size those 
issued from National Headquarters. 

The Official Orders of a Corps will be signed: 



By order of A B , Corps President. 

C D , 

Corps Secretary. 
[Of a Bepaj'tment] 

By command of E F , Department President. 

G H , 

Department Secretary. 
[Of National Headquarters.] 

By command of I J , National President. 

K L , 

National Secretary 



WOMAN'S RELIEF CORPS. 33 

RULES OF ORDER' 

FOR THE NATIONAL CONVENTION. 

[May also be used in so far as they apply in Department Conventions. ] 
Section 1. Order of Business. 

1. Opening of the National Convention in due form. 

2. Calling Roll of Officers. 

3. Report of Committee on Credentials, appointed prior to Conven 
tion, the National Secretary, Chainnan. 

4. Calling roll of members. 

5. Reports of officers, beginning with that of the National Presi- 
dent. 

6. Appointment of committees, to consist of five members each, as 
follows : 

1st. Committee on Resolutions. 

2d. Committee on Reports of Officers. 

3d. Committee on Rules and Regulations and Ritual. 

7. Reception and reference of communications from Department 
Conventions, to be called according to seniority. 

8. Reception and reference of commmiications from individuals. 

9. Reports of Committees. 

10. Unfinished business. 

11. New business. 

12. Election and Installation of Officers. 

13. At the second and each succeeding session the minutes of the 
preceding session shall be read immediately after the opening cere- 
monies. This shall also be done before the closing exercises at the 
last session. 

14. The most important business, including the election of officers, 
shall be made the special order of business not later than the after- 
noon of the second day. 

15. This order of business may be suspended at any time for a 
definite purpose, by a two-thirds vote of the National Convention to 
be taken without debate. 

Section 2. The National President shall state every question 
properly presented to th6 National Convention, and before putting it 
to vote shall ask, " Is the Convention ready for the question?" 

Should no member offer to speak she shall rise to put the question, 
and after she has risen no further discussion will be in order. 

Section 3. The National President may speak to points of order 
in preference to other members, rising for that purpose. She shall 
announce all votes and decisions, and decide questions of order, sub- 
ject to an appeal to the National Convention, by any two members, 
which appeal, if required, shall be in writing. 



34 RULES AND REGULATIONS 

Section 4. "When an appeal is taken from the decision of the pre- 
siding officer, said officer shall surrender the chair to the officer next 
in rank, who shall put the question thus: "Shall the decision of the 
chair stand as the judgment of the National Convention?" 

Section 5. When the decision of any vote is doubted, the National 
President shall direct the National Secretary to count the vote in the 
affirmative and negative, and report the result to her. 

Section 6. When two or more members rise to speak at the same 
time, the National President will decide who is entitled to the floor. 

Section 7. A motion must be seconded and stated by the National 
President before any action thereon is in order and if required by any 
two members, shall be reduced to writing. 

Section S. A motion may be withdrawn by the mover and 
seconder before a vote is had thereon, and, if withdrawn, no record 
thereof shall be made on the minutes. 

Section 9. The name of a member making a motion or offering 
any business shall be entered on the minutes. 

Section 10. A division of a question containing two or more dis- 
tinct propositions may be demanded by any member. 

Section 11. Should a member wish to speak she will rise and 
respectfully address the National President, confining her remarks to 
the question before the National Convention, and avoid personalitiea 
and unbecoming language. 

Section 12. No member shall be interrupte'd while speakings 
except by a call to order, or by a member to explain. 

Section 13. No member shall speak more than twice upon the 
same question, except for explanation when misrepresented, nor 
longer than ten minutes at any time, without a vote of the National 
Convention, to be taken without debate. 

Section 14. No member shall, in debate, impeach the motives of 
a fellow member, treat her with personal disrespect, or pass between 
her and the chair while she is speaking. 

Section 15. Any conversation calculated to disturb a member 
while speaking, or to hinder the transaction of business, shall be 
deemed a violation of order, and if persisted in shall incm- censure. 

SE<rri0N 16. On questions of order there shall be no debate, unless 
the National President shall invite it, or unless an appeal is taken. 

Section 17. When a member is called to order, she shall at once 
take her seat until her point of order is decided. 

Section 18. When a member is called to order for words spoken 
in debate, the objectionable words shall, if required, be reduced to 
'ATiting. 



WOMAN'S RELIEF CORPS. 35 

Section 19. When a question is before tlie National Convention, 
the only motions in order shall be: 

1. To adjourn. 

2. To lay on the table. 

3. The previous question. 

4. To postpone indefinitely. 

5. To postpone to a definite period. 

0. To postpone. 

7. To refer. 

8. To amend. 

To take precedence in the order named, and the first three to be 
decided without debate. 

Section 20. When the previous question is moved and seconded, 
it shall preclude all other motions and debate. It shall be put in this 
fonn: ''Shall the main question be now put?" If decided in the 
affirmative, the vote shall be at once taken, without debate and in the 
same order as if the previous question had not been ordered. 

Section 21, A motion to adjourn shall always be in order, except: 

1. While a member is speaking. 

2. While a vote is being taken. 

3. When to adjourn was the last preceding motion. 

A motion to adjourn cannot be amended, but when to adjourn to a 
given time or place, it is open to amendment or debate. 

Section 22. The reading of any paper relating to the subject under 
consideration shall always be in order. 

Section 23. When a blank is to be filled, the question shall be 
first taken on the highest sum or number, or longest time, or in the 
order of nomination, if it is to be filled with the name of a person. 

Section 24. The yeas and nays may be required and entered upon 
the minutes at the call of any three members representing different 
Departments, as provided in Chap. IV, Article YII, Rules and Reg- 
ulations. 

Section 25. When a matter is postponed indefinitely it shall not 
again be in order at the same session of the National Convention. 

Section 26. But two amendments can be pending at the same time. 

Section 27. A motion to reconsider shall be in order at any time 
during the same session of the National Convention, but must be 
made by those voting with the majority, or those voting in the nega- 
tive in the case of equal division. A motion to reconsider once made 
and negatived shall not be renewed at the same session. 



36 RULES AND REGULATIONS. 

Section 28. All reports and resolutions must be submitted in 
writing, and when from a committee they must be signed by a major- 
ity of such committee. 

Section 29. All members entitled to vote shall vote on all ques- 
tions, unless excused by a vote of the National Convention, to be taken 
without debate. 

Section 30. When a majority report is followed by a report from 
the minority of a committee, the former, after being read, shall lie upon 
the table imtil the latter is presented, after which, upon motion, either 
may be considered. 

Section 31. When a report has been read it shall be considered 
properly before the National Convention, without any motion to 
accept. 

Section 32. When a report is submitted with a resolution attached, 
action shall be had on the resolution only, unless the report be con- 
sidered improper or incomplete, when it shall be recommitted. When 
no resolution accompanies the report, such report may be altered or 
amended. 

Section 33. No report or resolution properly before the National 
Convention shall be withdrawn without its pennission, to be given or 
refused without debate. 

Section 34. Questions not debatable. 

1. To adjourn, when to adjourn simply. 

2. To lay on the table. 

3. For the previous question. 

4. To take up any particular item of business. 

5. Granting leave to speak. 

6. Granting leave to withdraw a report or resolution. 

7. To excuse from voting. 

8. Questions of order, where no appeal has been taken, or where 
the National President has been invited to discuss. 

Section 35. These Rules of Order may be altered or amended at 
any regular session of the National Convention, upon proposition in 
writing, and by a two-thirds vote of those present and voting. 



INDEX TO RULES AND REGULATIDNS. 



Page 

Admission to membership, Chap. II, Art. II 5 

as charter members, Chap. II, Art. I, Sec. 1,2 4 

by transfer. Chap. II, Art. Ill 7 

of honorably discharged member. Chap. II, Art. IV, Sec. 4 . . . . 7 

outside territorial limits. Chap. II, Art. II, Sec. 8 ^) " 

Applicants rejected. Chap. II, Art. II, Sec. 6 8 

Appeals, Chap. V, Art. VI 25 

Arrears, Chap. V, Art. IV 24 

Members in, Sees. 1, 2 24 

Corps in, Sec. 3 24 

Departments in. Sec, 4 24 

Badges, Chap. V, Art. XIX 29 

Membership, Sec. 1 29 

Official, Sees. 2, 3, 29 

Memorial, Sec. 4 29 

Recognition Pin, Sec. 5 29 

Past officers. Sec. G 30 

revert with office, Sec. 8 30 

when returned. Sec. 10 30 

Officers of disbaucied Corps entitled to, Chap. V, Art. XIX, Sec. 11 • 30 
Also see Chap. II, Art II, Sec. 1, page 5 and Art. IV, Sec. 5. 

Ballot: 

on applications. Chap. II, Art. II, Sec. 4 o 

on transfers, Chap. II, Art. Ill, Sec. 1 7 

on re-instatement. Chap. V, Art. IV, Sec. 2 24 

for Corps officers, Chap. II, Art. VII, Sees. 1,2 8, 9 

for Department officers, Chap. Ill, Art. V, Sec. 1 14 

for National officers. Chap. IV, Art. V, Sec. 1 18 

Bonds required. Chap. V, Art. IX 27, 28 

Corps Treasurer, Sec. 1 2( 

Department Treasurer, Sec. 2 27 

National Treasurer, Sec. 3 27 

National Secretary, Sec. 4 28 

Approved and held by, Sec. 5 28 

By-Laws, Corps, Chap. II, Art. X 11 

Department, Chap. Ill, Art. IX 17 

Cards: 

Visiting, transfer and discharge, Chap. II., Art. IV ', « 

Charters : 

for Corps, Chap. II, Art. I 4 

application for. Sec. 1 4 

endorsed by. Sec. 1 4 

Charter fee, Sec. 1 4 

suspended or annulled. Sees. 7, 9 5 

surrendered, Sees. 5, 6, 8 | 

engrossing. Chap. V, Art. XV ... '-a 

37 



38 

Page 

Department, application for, Chap. Ill, Art. I, Sec. 1 12 

Charter fee, Sec. 1 12 

signed by, Sec. 3 12 

how revoked, Sec. 5 12 

Committees: Relief, Executive, Auditing, Home and Employment, Con- 
ference, Chap. II, Art. VIII, Sees. 9-13 • 11 

appointed by, Chap. II, Art. VI, Sec. 3 8 

investigating. Chap. II, Art. II, Sec. 2, 3 5, 6 

Corps, admission fee, charter members, Chap. II. Art. I, Sec. 1 4 

by-laws for, Chap. II, Art. X 11 

• chartered, Chap. II, Art. I, Sec. 1 4 

disbanded, Chap. II, Art. I, Sec. 9 5 

duties of officers. Chap. II, Art. Vni 9-11 

eligibilitv to office in, Chan. II, Art. VI, Sec. 1 8 

election of officers of, Chap. II, Art. VII 8, 9 

formation of. Chap. II, Art. I 4 

in arrears. Chap. V, Art. IV, Sec. 3 24 

inspection of. Chap. V, Art. V, Sec. 1 24, 25 

meetings of. Chap. II, Art. V 8 

name for, Chap. I, Art. Ill (See foot note) 3 

officers of, Chap. II, Art. VI, Sec. 2 8 

quorum in. Chap. II, Art. V, Sees. 3, 4 8 

rank of, Chap. II, Art. I, Sec. 4 4 

re-organization of. Chap. II, Art. I, Sec. 9 5 

delegates elected, Chap. II, Art. IX 11 

See also Chap. Ill, Art. II, Sees. 1, 2, 3 12 

reports required of, Chap. V, Art. I 22 

revoke charter of, Chap. II, Art. I, Sec. 8 5 

vacancies in office, Chap. II, Art. VII, Sec. 5 9 

Council: 

Department, Chap. Ill, Art. VI, Sees. 9, 10 16 

National, Chap. IV, Art. VI, Sees. 9, 10 20, 21 

Court of Inquiry, Chap. V, Art. VII 26, 27 

Delegates: 

to Department Convention, Chap. II, Art. IX 11 

to National Convention, Chap. Ill, Art. VIII 16 

Departments, Chap. Ill, Art. I 12 

by-laws of, Chap. Ill, Art. IX 17 

Members, Chap. Ill, Art. II, Sec. 1 12, 13 

Council of, Chap. Ill, Art. VI, Sees. 9, 10 . 16 

duties of officers. Chap. Ill, Art. VI . . 14-16 

election of officers. Chap. Ill, Art. V 14 

election of delegates to National Convention, Chap. IV, Art. II, 

Sec. 1, Par. n 17 

meetings of. Chap. Ill, Art. Ill, Sees. 1,2 13 

raembershii>, Chap. III. Art. II 12 13 

officersof. Chap. Ill, Art. IV 13 

organization of. Chap. Ill, Art. I . 12 

reports required, Chajt. Ill, Art. VI, Sec. 11 16 

vacancies in office tilled. Chap. Ill, Art. V, Sec. 3 14 

voting in, Cliap. Ill, Art. VII 16 

Disbursements. Chap. IV, Art. VIII 21 

Also see Corps, Department and National Treasurers' duties. . 10, 15, 20 

Discipline, Chap. V, Art. VII 25-27 

Discharge, honorable. Chap. II, Art. IV, Sec. 5 8 

dishonorable, Chap. II, Art. IV, Sec. 6 8 

Dispensation for initiation, Chap. II, Art. 11, Sec. 7 6 

Disposing of old correspondence. Chap. V, Art. XVI 29 



39 

Page 

Dues, Chap. V, Art. ni ''H 

Election : 

Corps officers, Chap. II, Art. VII 8, 9 

Department officers, Chap, III, Art. V 14 

National officers, Chap. IV, Art. V 18 

Delegates to Department Convention, Chap. Ill, Art. II 13 

Delegates to National Convention, Chap. IV, Art. II, Sec. 1 . . . . 17 

Election Returns, Corps and Department, Chap. V, Art. II 23 

Engrossing- Charters, Chap. V, Art. XV 28 

Eligibility : 

to membership, Chap. I, Art. IV 4 

by transfer. Chap. II, Art. IV, Sec. 2 7 

by re-instatement. Chap. V, Art. IV, Sec. 2 24 

by dispensation, Chap II, Art. II. Sec. 7 6 

after rejection. Chap. II, Art. II, Sec. 6 6 

territorial limits. Chap. II, Art. II, Sec. 8 6, 7 

to office, Corps, Department and National 8, 18, 18 

Fees, — Charter, Corps, Department: 

Admission, Chap. II, Art. II, Sec. 1 5 

charter members, Chap. II, Art. I, Sec. 1 4 

by transfer. Chap. II, Art. Ill, Sec. 2 7 

by re-instatement, Chap. V, Art. IV, Sec. 2 24 

returned, when. Chap. II, Art. II, Sec. 6 6 

forfeited, when. Chap. II, Art. II, Sec. 5 6 

Inspection, Chap. V, Art. V 24, 25 

officers appointed. Sees. 2, 3 25 

Installation of officers, Corps, Chap. II, Art. VII, Sec. 3 9 

Department, Chap. Ill, Art. V, Sec. 2 14 

National, Chap. IV, Art. V, Sec. 2 .18 

Letters designating Blanks and Reports, Chap. V, Art. XX 30 

Memorial Day, Chap. V, Art. XI 28 

contributions for. Chap. V, Art. XVII . . .• 29 

Membership, eligibility to, Chap. I, Art. IV 4 

admission to. Chap. II, Art. II 5 

application for, Chap. II, Art. 11 5 

by transfer, Chap. II, Art. Ill, Sees. 1, 2 7 

Depai'tment Convention, Chap. Ill, Art. II .... 12 

National Convention, Chap. IV, Art. II 17 

ofdisbandedCorps, Chap. II, Art. IV, Sec. 3 7 

Meetings : 

Corps regular, when held, Chap. II, Art. V, Sec. 1 8 

Corps special. Sec. 2 8 

Department annual and semi-annual, Chap. Ill, Art. Ill, Sec. 1 . . 13 

Department special, Sec. 2 13 

National annual, Chap. IV, Art. Ill, Sec. 1 18 

National special. Sec. 2 18 

Department Council meet, Chap. Ill, Art. VI, Sec. 9 16 

National Council meet. Chap. IV, Art. VI, Sec. 9 20 

Name, Chap. I, Art. I 3 

National Convention, National Council, Chap. IV, Art. VI, Sees. 9, 10 . . 20, 21 

duties of officers, Chap. IV, Art. VI 19-21 

election of officers. Chap. IV, Art. V 18 

meetings of , Chap. IV, Art. Ill 18 

membership of, Chap. IV, Art. II 17 

officers of. Chap. IV, Art. IV 18 

reports required. Chap. IV, Art. VI, Sec. 12 21 

Also Chap. V, Art. I 22 

voting in, Chap. IV, Art. VII 21 

vacancies in office, Chap. IV, Art. V, Sec. 3 18 



40 

Page 

Objects of the Woman's Relief Corps, Chap. I, Art. II 3 

Organization, Chap. I, Art. Ill 3,4 

Corps, Sec. 1 3 

Departments, Sec. 2 (see also Department) 4,12 

National, Sec. 3 (see also National) 4, 17 

Provisional Departments, Chap. IV, Art. IX 21 

Officers: 

Corps, Chap. II, Art. VI, Sec. 2 8 

Department, Chap. Ill, Art. IV, Sec. 2 13,14 

National, Chap. IV, Art. IV, Sec. 2 18 

Provisional, Chap. IV, Art. IX, Sec. 1 21 

appointed, terms of. Chap. II, Art. VI, Sec. 4 8 

duties Corps, Chap. II, Art. VIII 9 

duties Department, Chap. Ill, Art. VI ... 14-16 

duties National, Chap. IV, Art. VI 19-21 

Official communications : 

forms of address, orders, how disposed of, Chap. V, Ai't. XXI . . . 31, 32 

Past Officers,— honors : Chap. V, Art XIV 28 

Per capita tax, on Corps and Departments, Chap. V, Art. Ill, Sees. 2, 3 . 23, 24 

Preamble 3 

Provisional Departments, Chap. IV, Art. IX 21 

Proxies, Chap. V, Art. XII 28 

Quorum : 

Corps, Chap. II, Art. V, Sees. 3, 4 8 

Department Council, Chap. Ill, Art. VI, Sec. 9 16 

National Council, Chap. 1\, Art. VI, Sec. 9 20 

Relief Fund, held sacred, Chap. V, Art. X 28 

Reports: 

Corps, Department, National, Secretary's, Chap. V, Art. 1 .... 22 
Corps, Department, National, Treasurer's, Chap. V, Art. I . . . . 22 

Department Staff Ofhcers, Chap. Ill, Art. VI, Sec. 11 16 

National Staff Officers, Chap. IV, Art. VI, Sec. 12 21 

Rejected applicants. Cbap. II, Art. II, Sec. 6 6 

Rules of Order for National Convention 33-36 

Revisions, Chap. V, Art. XVIII 29 

Secrecy, Chap. V, Art. VIII • 27 

Titles of Address, Chap. V, Art. XIII 28 

Transfer, Chap. II, Art. IV, Sees. 2, 3 7 

Vacancies in office, how tilled: 

Corps, Chap. II, Art. VII, Sec. 5 9 

Departments, Chap. Ill, Art. V, Sec. 3 ... 14 

National Convention, Chap. IV, Art. V, Sec. 3 18 

Voting in Department Convention, Chap. Ill, Art. VII 16 

National Convention, Chap. IV, Art. VII 21 

Past oflficers but one vote. Chap. Ill, Art. VII; Chap. IV, Art. VII . 16, 21 
W. R. C. Home Board, Chap. IV, Art. VI, Sec. 11 21 



Headquarters Woman's Relief Corps, 
Chicago, III., December, 1894. 
1 certify that the above and forep;oing is a true and correct copv of the 
Rules and Regulations and Rules of Order of the National Convention, Woman's 
Relief Corps, Auxiliary to the Grand Army of the Republic. 




^^ J^d^, 



National Secretary. 



/ 



FREE BLANKS 

TO BE DISTRIBUTED AS FOLLOWS 



Department Secretaries to Corps Presidents, Forms A, B, J, L and N 
to Corps installing officers, Form U; and to the officer designate 
to institute a Corps, Form G. (See Chap. III., Art. VI., Sect. 3. 

Department Inspectors, Form to Assistant Inspectors. (See Chap. V 
Art. v., Sect. 1.) 

National Secretary forwards Forms C, D, E, F, M, V and Departmer 
Treasurer's Bonds to Department Presidents ; and Forms A, B, I 
N and Corps Treasurer's Bonds to Detached Corps Presidents ; an 
to the officer designated to institute a Detached Corps, Form G 
(See Chap. IV., Art. VI., Sect. 3.) 

National Chaplain forwards Memorial Day blank Form J to Detache 
Corps Presdents, and Department Chaplain's blank Form K t 
Department Chaplains. (See Chap. IV., Art. VI., Sect. 5.) 

National Inspector forwards Form O to Inspectors of Detached Corp; 
Form P to Department Inspectors, and Form R to Assistar 
National Inspectors. (See Chap. V., Art. V., Sect. 4.) 

National Instituting and Installing Officer forwards Form H to Depar 
ment Instituting and Installing Officers. (See Chap. IV., Art. VI 

Sect. 8.) 







^ 




Oi?(?&ffeO 



No. 1. 



No. 2. 




Nos. 1 and 2 represent the official electrotypes of the 
Woman's Relief Corps badge. 
No. 3 represents the Recognition badge. 



Corps will be supplied only through their Department Headquarter; 




:^^^i^<^^^^'^>^- 



. M 



National Secretary. 



^ 



— TTT ^^ 




LIBRftRY OF CONGRESS 



012 160 675 6 



